Trump CHIP tweet goes against GOP plan to avert government shutdown

President Donald Trump said late Thursday morning which a government shutdown “could happen” in addition to which “the item’s up to the Democrats” to avoid the item before a weekend deadline.

Speaking to media on the steps of the Pentagon, Trump pegged the importance of passing a funding bill to the military, which, he said, needs funding in addition to support more than ever.

He also suggested which Democrats wanted to shut down the government to drown out news of companies announcing bonuses in addition to spending initiatives as a result of the completely new tax law passed late last year.

Republicans, who control the House, Senate in addition to White House, can pass a spending bill inside House with only GOP votes. They will need nine Democratic votes inside Senate to approve a bill in which chamber, if all Republican members support the item.

Earlier Thursday, the president added more confusion to Congress’ scramble to avoid a government shutdown when he appeared to criticize a key Republican addition to a temporary funding bill.

“CHIP should be part of a long term solution, not a 30 Day, or short term, extension!” the president tweeted.

Trump tweet

The continuing resolution introduced by the House — which the chamber aims to vote on Thursday — would certainly fund the government through Feb. 16. the item would certainly reauthorize the well-known Children’s Health Insurance Program for six years in addition to delay some Affordable Care Act taxes.

Republicans saw including a CHIP extension as crucial to winning some Democratic support for the stopgap spending plan. Members of the minority party have threatened to vote against the bill if they cannot also pass a plan This kind of week to protect hundreds of thousands of young immigrants. Democrats have supported reauthorizing the insurance program.

Trump’s stance on CHIP may influence some Republicans’ votes on the proposal — or give some Democrats cover not to back the bill. The White House did not immediately respond to a request to clarify the tweet.

Later Thursday, Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas, said the item may not have been “clear” to Trump which CHIP would certainly get reauthorized for six years under the short-term spending bill, according to NBC News. He then sent a tweet clarifying which point.